Season 2 of HBO’s critically acclaimed drama “True Detective” won’t be quite as dark as the first, according to HBO programming president Michael Lombardo, who spoke Thursday at the Guardian Intl, Television Festival in Edinburgh.

Again scripted by creator Nic Pizzolatto the season will feature a new story and cast of characters, led by three cops — a woman and two men, said Lombardo, according to HuffPost UK. But just because the new story isn’t necessarily as dark as the first, don’t expect it to be all sunshine and rainbows, either.

“It’s still dark,” Lombardo said at the festival. “Nic explores the darkness in people’s souls. … It’s not as dark, but it’s not a light ride. Nic likes looking into the crevices of the soul.”

Filming is expected to begin in September in California, and while the first season’s episodes were directed exclusively by Cary Fukunaga (who earned a directing Emmy nomination), the second season’s duties will be split among multiple helmers, according to Lombardo.

The network has yet to confirm any cast members for the new season, but a number of potential names have been rumored in conjunction with the roles, including Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn and Taylor Kitsch.

“True Detective” is nominated for five Emmy awards, including drama series and lead actor in a drama for both Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson.

I absolutely loved the first season… Honestly it ended perfectly and I don’t see how a second season makes sense. If vince Vaughn is in it… I’m totally not going to watch.. He’s a comedic actor… It’s not going to work. Good luck

Mixing up the direction could be a mistake. The cinematography and pacing of the show was a large part of its atmosphere and appeal – in some ways it was the show, in the same was as for UK series Utopia. I think that the story was only about a quarter of True Detective‘s first series’ appeal; the rest was acting (another quarter) and direction.

However, maybe it’s for the best if it really goes different. Fingers crossed.

Should have left it as a one off. Can’t go from Matt and Cary and Woody to anyone else. Call it something else, make it different, separate it, but they’ll never ever be able to repeat the tension and uniqueness of season 1. Don’t bother trying. Whatever they do and whoever they cast will be a letdown. They should go with complete unknowns, it would be the only way to do it – but obviously HBO wouldn’t. They think they’re such big risk takers but they’re not. Still bitter about Enlightened being canceled. Over HBO. Over True Detective

I loved Matthew and Woody, there’s no true detective in my opinion! If Vince Vaughn is cast, I will not watch it! Can’t stand him, he’s just a terrible actor and a total jerk! Good luck with that one HBO!